About this project

(In the Video: The music you hear is a Hawaiian Nose Flute , called, 'Ohe Hano Ihu)

Hope you can help make this Project a Reality with a Pledge, but if you can't then please spread the word by using the box above to post to your Twitter or Facebook accounts, or use the link/email areas to tell your friends/family. For each pledge offered I will be naming you in the End Credits as a Contributor to the Making of This Film.

WHAT'S THE DOCUMENTARY PROJECT ABOUT?

After coming from far away "Kahiki", crossing a vast ocean in double hulled canoes, navigating only by the stars, the ancient Hawaiians reached the most isolated spot in the Pacific Ocean, our home, Hawai'i. Here they used their survival instincts, perseverance, determination and resourcefulness to solve problems by inventing new ways to sustain themselves. It is a practice that is being revived throughout Hawaii by Hawaiians who have continued their traditions and are sharing them with others in order to promote self-sustainability. Imagine, Hawaiians invented fishponds where they farmed freshwater and saltwater fish; rather then wait for schools of fish to come into the bay or near the shoreline.

Where does the name Ahupua'a come from?

In Hawaiian, AHU means "stone altar" "PUA'A means "pig"

A wooden image was placed on an altar of stones which marked the boundaries between the ahupua'a. It also served as the gathering place to where all tributes, "taxes" were paid to the ali'i nui (Kiing of the Island).

The Ahupua'a is a section of land that extends from the mountain ridges to the ocean. Much like how you would divide a pie. Each section was ruled by a Chief, who in turn delegated and managed the Experts of each operation within the Ahupua'a he was assigned to, and over him the District Chief and then the King of the Island ruled them all, and to whom everyone paid taxes.

The Ahupua'a contained everything the Hawaiians needed to survive; fresh water for drinking, bathing & farming; Plants which were cultivated and those that grew wild in the valleys provided everything from food, clothing and transportation, among many other uses for daily living; The land and ocean creatures provided many products the Hawaiians used as well. The Farmers in the Mountains and the Fisherman from the Shorelines would gift their harvests to one another, enabling each to have a balanced diet of ocean creatures, limu, vegetables, fowl, etc. In this way they were able to live harmoniously and peacefully within the Ahupua'a. There is so much more to share about there methods that I would like to include in this full-length Documentary film.

This is a project I had made up my mind to do 2 years ago while doing field research in Kahana Valley "Kahana 'o Ahupua'a." Since then I have been researching Ahupua'a on all islands, and all aspects of filmmaking, including financing. Kickstarter is a brand new venue which I have seen successful filmmakers create funding for their project.

We will be interviewing Hawaiian Scholars, Island Residents and Elders, we call, "Kupuna" to obtain their knowledge, "mo'olelo" (stories) which will be compiled and edited into a 60 minute cultural documentary along with archival photos, footage and artistic sketches, as well as reenactments of ancient traditions. I will also film modern day farming and fishing practices and ancient ahupua'a on the Islands of Hawai'i, Maui, Moloka'i, Kaua'i and O'ahu. It will then be edited for DVD Distribution and Cable TV.

WHAT WILL THE FUNDS BE USED FOR?

The funds that are being raisied here during our Kickstarter Campaign will pay for Pre-Production; research, film footage, interviews on the outer islands as well as our own Island of O'ahu; music compostion (for the soundtrack), etc.

An effort is being made to work on a tight budget. Of course, if I receive funds above the desired goal I will be able to bring more higher level Production Crew to get the desired film footage, and designate some monies if there's any left for Post Production (Editing, etc.).

Funds for Editing and completing the final project will be raised through the International Documentary Association, for which my application has been sent off, but will take 8 weeks for approval. Hopefully, if I raise enough here, I can complete my funding efforts in this initial phase.

YOUR CONTRIBUTION

You will basically be backing a project that includes The Arts in every form; FILM, MUSIC, ART, MO'OLELO (oral storytelling). MAHALO NUI LOA ! (Thank You So Much!)

Project location: Honolulu, HI

2

Backers

$50.00

pledged of $10,000 goal

Project By

Nalani Mamoali'ialapa'i Scharsch Hao

Honolulu, HI

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Aloha! My name is Nalani Hao, and I am a descendant of the Alapa'i & Hao Bloodline. My grandmother is originally from Puuanahulu and my grandfather from the fishing village in Miloli'i on the Big Island. I am a Researcher, Writer, Award-winning Poet, Author and Olelo Producer and Produce through my own Island Scripter Entertainment, LLC Company (with several Projects in different stages of development.)

My WEBSITE: http://www.islandscripter.com
My books http://www.lulu.com.nalanisbookshelf
One of my short scripts http://www.inktip.com/ep_shorts_index.php...
One of My Poetry Awards: http://www3.hpu.edu/kalamalama/archive/2902/sub/News03.htm